What to do if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

Many people have iPhones but don’t know what an IMEI number is or what a bad ESN represents. Understanding how to tackle this issue can save time, money, and a headache or two. In this extensive guide, we’ll walk you through the basic mechanics of ESN and IMEI, how to check if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is blacklisted, and the detailed steps for unlocking a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI.

Part 1: Basic information about IMEI number and ESN

What is IMEI number?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity): IMEI numbers are unique to GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network mobile phones. Unlike ESN, an IMEI number is 15 digits long. It serves as an anti-theft measure, meaning a blacklisted IMEI can result from a device being reported lost or stolen or a breach of the consumer agreement.

What is an ESN?

Electronic Serial Number (ESN): Previously utilized by CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks, an ESN was a unique identifier for cellular devices. With technological progression, most carriers have shifted their focus to the IMEI system, but knowing your ESN’s history is still crucial, especially if you’re dealing with older devices.

What is a Bad ESN?

A Bad ESN can mean a lot of things, let’s check out some examples:

If you hear this term most probably you are trying to activate the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device with a carrier, but that’s not possible due to some reasons.
It can mean that the previous owner of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device switched carriers.
The previous owner had an outstanding amount on their bill and cancelled the account without paying the bill first.
The previous owner didn’t have a bill when they cancelled the account but they were still under a contract and if you cancel sooner than the due date for the contract, an “early termination fee” is created based on the remaining period of the contract and they hadn’t paid that amount.
The person that sold you the phone or someone else who was the actual owner of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device reported the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device as lost or stolen.

What is a blacklisted IMEI?

Blacklisted IMEI is basically the same thing as Bad ESN but for devices that work on CDMA networks, like Verizon or Sprint. In short, the main reason that a device has a Blacklisted IMEI is so that you as the owner or someone else cannot activate the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device on any carrier, not even the original one, thus avoiding selling or stealing the phone.

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Part 2: How to check if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is blacklisted?

In order to check if an iPhone is blacklisted, you need to first retrieve your IMEI or ESN number to check if it’s blacklisted.

How to find the IMEI or ESN numbers

On the original box of the iPhone, usually around the barcode.
In Settings, if you go to General > About, you can find the IMEI or ESN.
On some iPhones, it’s in the SIM card tray when you pull it out.
Some iPhones have it engraved on the back of the case.
If you dial *#06# on your dial pad you will get the IMEI or ESN.

How to verify if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is blacklisted?

Checking if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro has a blacklisted IMEI is the first step in addressing the issue. There are several methods to do this, either via the Apple website, the network carrier, or through third-party IMEI check services.

Apple’s Blacklist Status Tool: Operating directly from Apple’s official website, entering your IMEI number can provide instant clarity on its status.
Network Carrier Services: Another way is to contact the carrier that the Apple iPhone 12 Pro was initially sold from. Finding out is easy, just look for a logo: on the box of the iPhone, on the back case of it and even on the screen of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro as it boots up. Just look for any carrier, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc. Contacting your network carrier can also yield a blacklist status. Bear in mind that not all network services are equally adept or willing to communicate this information, and turnaround times may vary.
Third-Party IMEI Check Services: Utilizing third-party IMEI checkers is often the quickest method. These can be found as online services or apps, but it’s important to choose reputable sources. This is a highly recommended source to check the status of your phone because it’s quick, reliable and offers no fuss. You just go to the page, enter the IMEI or ESN, enter your contact details, and you’ll soon receive all the information you need!

Part 3: What to do if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

A bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI is serious business. It can result in a device being unusable on most of the surrounding networks. If your IMEI is blacklisted, there are steps for potential resolution:

Ask the seller for a refund

If you bought the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device with the bad ESN newly from a retailer or online shop, you might be in luck as they can provide you with a refund or at least a replacement, depending on their policy. For example, Amazon and eBay have refund policies. Unfortunately, if you got the phone from someone you found on the street, or from a seller over sources like Craigslist, this might not be possible. But there are still other things you can do.

Use it as a gaming console or iPod

Smartphones have a whole lot of functionality besides being able to place calls. You can install a bunch of different video games in it, you can use it to surf the internet, watch videos over YouTube, download music and videos to it. You could even use it as an iPod. The possibilities are really endless. You can even install apps like Skype and use Skype call as an alternative to a phone call.

Report of the Issue to the Police

If you suspect fraud or a theft may have been involved, filing a report can be necessary.

Get the IMEI or ESN Cleaned

Depending on your carrier, you can see if they entertain requests to remove your IMEI from the blacklist. IMEI cleaning services exist, offering to remove the blacklisted status. However, proceed with caution, as this is often in a gray legal area.

Swap the Logic Board

The thing about a blacklisted IMEI is that it’s only blacklisted in a particular country. An unlocked AT&T iPhone blacklisted in the US would still function in Australia on another network. As such you can try and change the chips of your Apple iPhone 12 Pro. However, in doing so you should be prepared for some possible irreparable damage.

Unlock it and then Sell it

After your unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro you can sell it to foreigners at a lowered rate. You can find out how to unlock in the next steps. But why would foreigners buy a blacklisted phone, you might ask? That’s because they won’t be on US soil long, and the IMEI is only blacklisted locally. So foreigners and tourists might be persuaded to buy your Apple iPhone 12 Pro if you throw in a big enough discount.

Take it apart and sell the spare parts

You can dismember the logic board, screen, dock connector and back casing, and sell them separately. These may be used to help out other broken iPhones.

Sell internationally

As mentioned earlier, you can unlock the phone with the blacklisted IMEI. However, since it’s only blacklisted locally, you can sell it internationally where it would still have value.

Flash phone to another carrier

This is an ideal option for those who don’t mind changing carriers. You can flash the phone to another carrier, as long as they accept it, and pretty soon you’ll have a functional phone! However, in some cases, you might land with a 3G connection instead of a 4G.

Determine Hybrid GSM/CDMA Phones

If your phone cannot activate on a CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint, the IMEI can still be used on a GSM network. Most phones manufactured these days come with a GSM standard nano or micro sim card slot and have GSM radio enabling for a GSM network. Most of them also come factory unlocked as well.

Having a phone with bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI is naturally a headache, however, all hope isn’t lost. You can do any of the things mentioned in the previous steps, and you can read on to find out how to unlock the phone with bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI.

Part 4: How to unlock a phone with bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

Unlocking a phone with bad ESN or a blacklisted IMEI is not a single-step process. It involves both technological and legal maneuvering. It’s important to note that unlocking a blacklisted phone might not make it fully operational, but it can help in using it with carriers outside the country where it was blacklisted.

Understanding Lock Status

Before proceeding, ensure you understand the lock status of your phone. If the phone is network locked, it only works with a specific carrier. If it is blacklisted, it’s barred from most network use. An unlocked phone, on the other hand, is a blank slate ready to work with any carrier that supports the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device’s technological specifications.

Steps to Unlock

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the steps to unlock a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI:

Ascertain Legality: Ensure unlocking your phone is within the bounds of the law, both locally and globally. Legal provisions such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) in the US and similar laws elsewhere define the circumstances under which phone unlocking is legal.
Contact the Carrier: If the blacklisting issue has been resolved, contacting the carrier who blacklisted the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device is the most straightforward way to unlock it. They may require clear documentation proving ownership of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device and the resolution of the reason for blacklisting.
Consider Third-Party Services: If your phone was blacklisted from a carrier in a different country where unlocking might be a common practice, third-party services can assist. Verify that they are reputable and have a solid track record, as well as a range of positive reviews from previous customers.
IMEI Repair and Unlock Tools: Some advanced users may consider IMEI repair software or unlock tools. However, utilizing these services could be illegal or fraudulent unless you are a certified technician who can verify the legitimacy of the software being used and the legality of the method in your region.
Seek Professional Repair Centers: If all else fails, there are mobile repair shops that specialize in this type of work. It’s important to vet these services thoroughly, and ensure they are trained in such repairs and have a history of success.

Considerations and Warnings

Device Warranty: Unlocking a phone could void its warranty. Consider the cost-benefit of unlocking versus keeping the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device under warranty.
Legal Ramifications: Unauthorized unlocking can have legal repercussions. It’s important to research and ensure compliance with all relevant laws.
Financial Risks: Some services come at a high cost, and there are scams in the market. Be cautious and only deal with recognized and trusted entities.

Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I find out if this iPhone is reported as lost or stolen? I mean which one is it?

This information is anonymous to carriers and no one will be able to tell you exactly.

Q: I have a friend who wants to sell me an iPhone, how do I check if it has a bad ESN or if it’s lost or stolen before I buy it?

You will need to check the IMEI or ESN.

Q: I am the owner of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and I reported it as lost some time ago and I found it, can I cancel it?

Yes, you can but most carriers will ask you to go to a retail store with at least one valid ID.

Q: I dropped My Apple iPhone 12 Pro and the screen cracked. Does it now have a bad ESN?

Hardware damage has no relation with an ESN. So your ESN status will remain unchanged.

Q: Is it Legal to Unlock a Phone with a Bad ESN or Blacklisted IMEI?

The legality of unlocking a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI varies from country to country and can be influenced by specific case laws. However, in cases where the user is the original owner and the phone is paid off, it’s typically legal to unlock the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device.

Q: Can You Use a Blacklisted Phone Internationally?

In some cases, a blacklisted phone can be used internationally. When a phone is blacklisted, it’s typically barred from the carrier network where the blacklist was applied. However, different countries have different national blacklists, so it’s possible that a phone blacklisted in one country will work in another. Unlocking the phone internationally can be an option here.

Q: Can IMEI Cleaning Really Work?

IMEI cleaning is the process by which the IMEI’s blacklisted status is removed. There are services that offer to clean your IMEI, and while some may work, it’s important to understand the legality and efficacy of such services, as it may involve fraudulent activity and your phone may still not be fully operational on some networks even after being cleaned.

Q: What Consequences Can I Face by Using a Blacklisted Phone?

Using a blacklisted phone can have various consequences. It’s unlikely to work on the network of the carrier where it was blacklisted, and the reliability of third-party carriers might be limited. Additionally, there may be legal implications, especially if the phone was blacklisted for being reported lost or stolen.

Q: Should I Buy a Phone with a Bad ESN or Blacklisted IMEI?

It’s generally not advisable to purchase a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI, as it would be difficult to use on most networks. Such devices are often sold at lower prices, but the risks and limitations associated with them might not be worth the discount.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI presents a unique set of challenges. The complexity of resolving the issue hinges on various factors including the reasons for blacklisting, the phone model, and the networks involved, among others. The best approach is often a mix of legal recourse, communication with carriers, and potentially seeking the assistance of professional technicians or legal counsel. Always research thoroughly and seek advice from reliable sources when taking the significant step of unlocking a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI.

So now you know everything there is to know about IMEI, bad ESN, and blacklisted iPhones. You also know how to check their status using the handy Dr.Fone webpage or through contacting your carrier. And in case your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is erroneously locked and you can’t access it, we’ve also shown you how to unlock it using the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) service tool.

If you have any other questions not covered in our FAQ section, please feel free to leave us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you.

How to Remove Apple iPhone 12 Pro SIM Lock?

Have you purchased a second-hand Apple iPhone 12 Pro that is carrier locked? It would be a very frustrating situation. You can’t use any SIM card other than one cellular company’s sim card. So, whatever the case is, in this article, we will show you how to remove the SIM lock on your device.

In this article, we’ll talk about some popular tools to unlock Apple iPhone 12 Pro. After reading this article, I hope your Apple iPhone 12 Pro will be free from any lock, and you can do what you want in your Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

iPhone IMEI

This site offers iPhone IMEI unlocking services. There are mixed reviews about this site. Some customers called its SIM card activation service very good, while others complained about its services.

Rating from Trustpilot	3.2
User Reviews	Mixed reviews
Pricing Plans	Unlock service for 19$ or 29$
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: upto iOS 16
Pros & Cons	According to customer reviews, this site is not trustable.

DoctorSIM

doctorSIM offers services for unlocking a cell phone. Apart from Apple, this site also offers the facility to unlock phones of many brands. Most of the customers are very happy with their services. So, this site has been able to win customers’ trust by delivering top-notch unlocking services.

Rating from Trustpilot	4.7
User Reviews	A lot of positive reviews
Pricing Plans	Depend upon the model of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device.
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: upto iOS 16
Pros & Cons	Pros
· It supports unlocking almost all brands and some less well-known brands.
· A strong and effective tool that can unlock all phones with a 99% success rate.
Cons
· Device unlock can take up to seven days.
· According to many reviews, the doctorSIM unlock service doesn’t work.

Unlock Phone SIM

This site says it can help you unlock your phone from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and many more. They say their service can unlock all iPhone, iPad, and watch models.

Rating from Trustpilot	4.2
User Reviews	Mixed reviews: some people appreciated their services while some said: it is a scam.
Pricing Plans	Depending on the model of your device, the price to unlock iCloud ranges from $175 to $301. From $24.00, you can pre-order a service to check your suitability.
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: upto iOS 16
Pros & Cons	Pros
· This service has a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot.
Cons
· A large number of negative reviews.

Cellunlocker

On the Cellunlocker website, you can purchase unlock codes and services for locked mobiles. If your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is locked to a carrier or your Apple iPhone 12 Pro’s activation lock is turned on, this website may assist you in removing those locks.

Rating from Trustpilot	4.6
User Reviews	They are legit and have a remarkable number of satisfied customers.
Pricing Plans	Depend on the model of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device.
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: upto iOS 16
Pros & Cons	Pros
· Structures for ordering and paying are made much easier.
· Customers from more than 180 countries are served.
· The website is easy for anyone to use.
· The unlock codes they give are correct 95.5% of the time.
Cons
· It can’t unlock phones bought in the USA after January 2013.
· The refund rules are strict; they may even ask you to send a video of the unlocking procedure as evidence.

## Best Software for Apple iPhone 12 Pro SIM Unlock

Dr.Fone is a complete toolbox for your device solutions. For Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock, it’ll cost little time to remove the SIM lock from almost every carrier on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro. And here you can learn how to use Dr.Fone to remove your problem with data security.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Step1: In the first step, Install Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) on your computer.

Step2: After you’ve set up Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer, launch it. You will see the “Screen Unlock,” choose it and start the unlocking process.

Step3: If you want to remove the network restriction on your device, select “Remove SIM Locked” in the following box.

Step4: To get started unlocking your iOS device for use with a different SIM card, hit “Start” when it is ready.

Step5: After then, the software locates the connected iPhone and provides a list of details about it. After making sure everything is correct, pick “Unlock Now.”

Step6: Before you can continue, you must first jailbreak your Apple iPhone 12 Pro. This method works on iPhones 5S to X running iOS 12.0 to 14.8.1. To learn about technology, you must either read the instruction or watch the video.

Step7: The following step is to perform a few quick tasks on your iOS device. Go to “Settings” and remove the SIM card from the smartphone. On each connection you’ve made in the “WLAN” section, tap “Forget This Network.” After finishing, turn off “WLAN” and insert the SIM card into your iOS device. To continue with the procedure, click “Continue” on the screen.

Step8: The status bar shows the SIM unlocking process’s current status.

Step9: In the end, when you see the blue phone image turn green, you can now use your phone with the service provider you want.

Bravo! Now you can use any SIM plan from any network.

Contact Your Carrier to Unlock iPhone 8/8Plus

If your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is locked, then it must be for some reason. The carrier who has set this lock can provide the best solution.

Check the unlock prerequisites

To check the unlock prerequisites, Go to Settings > General > About to find out if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is locked. Your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is unlocked if it says “No SIM restrictions” next to “Carrier Lock.”

Contact the carrier for the unlock code

Large cell phone companies often offer discounted devices to customers who sign an agreement for set time frames. Because of this, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device comes with a controller lock so customers can only use it on their network. If your contract with the company is over, you can get out of it for free. Before you can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro, you must meet the following requirements:

First of all, it must be a legal device. It means the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device is not reported as lost, stolen. Then your bank account must not have any financial debts. If you signed a contract in exchange for a lower up-front cost, you’d have to wait until your contract ends (usually 24 months) or pay the remaining balance if you purchased your phone on a payment schedule.

Most carriers need active accounts for specific days before unlocking devices. Sprint has 50 days, T-Mobile 40, and AT&T 60. Verizon has no minimum period if you need to factory reset your phone to use the new network and back up beforehand.

Insert a new SIM card to unlock your device

If you have a non-carrier SIM card, complete iPhone unlocking using these steps:

Turn off your device.
SIM card out.
Insert the new SIM. Your device will be activated.

Conclusion

So, this was an overview of some popular unlocking tools for Apple iPhone 12 Pro. The most accurate and effective tool to unlock carrier-locked iPhones is Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS). If your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is locked, then it must be for some reason. The carrier who has set this lock can provide the best solution. However, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock can unlock any lock.

3 Ways to Unlock Your Apple iPhone 12 Pro for Free

Is your Apple iPhone 12 Pro locked to your SIM card? Well, there’s nothing to worry about. You can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro in several ways. Your Apple iPhone 12 Pro’s lock may work differently. So, you can either unlock it by making small changes to the “Settings” or using third-party software.

In this article, I’ll talk about some popular ways to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro without going online and a bonus tip that will help you unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro if none of the other methods work. This article will help you find free ways to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

3 Free Ways to Unlock iPhone Offline

Following are some free ways to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Offline. You can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro by making small changes in the settings of your Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

Unlock iPhone SIM card via phone app

Call any number from the Phone app or contact to display the “SIM Locked” pop-up window and unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro. The SIM PIN entry window will pop up again, ready for you to type in your code. Enter any fake number instead of dialing a real number like “333” and press the green button.

Unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro SIM card via “Settings”

The “Settings” app is another way to bring up the unlock notification. Go to the “Cellular” tab and choose “SIM PIN” as the last option. The SIM card should now ask you to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

Unlock it via IMEI code

Contacting your carrier to unlock the sim lock on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is legit and straightway. But before contacting your carrier, you must fulfill the following conditions.

The device must be legal, which means the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device has not been reported as lost, stolen, or connected to a crime.
You shouldn’t have any debts in your bank account.
If you signed a contract in exchange for a lower upfront price, you would have to wait until your contract expires (typically 24 months) or pay the remaining amount if you purchased your phone on a payment plan.

If you meet the above conditions, you can get the phone unlocked from your carrier. You have to provide them IMEI number of your device. However, the rest of the unlocking process is different for each company.

Bonus Tip: Efficient App for iPhone SIM Unlock

Do you want to solve your problem on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Android devices? And you have no professional skills? So, you should never miss Dr.Fone. And Screen-Unlock is a highly efficient tool to remove the SIM-lock on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Unlock iPhone Carrier Simply and Quickly

Remove Apple ID/iCloud Account efficiently.
Save your Apple iPhone 12 Pro quickly from the disabled state.
Free your sim out of any carrier worldwide.
Bypass iCloud activation lock and enjoy all iCloud services
Works for all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

How to Unlock Your Apple iPhone 12 Pro for Any Carrier with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)?

Step 1: Download Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) and install it on your computer. After you’ve put Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer, run it. Go to the toolbox and choose “Screen Unlock” from the list of options.

safe & secure

Step 2: To remove the network lock on your device, please select “Remove SIM Locked” in the next window.

Step 3: When your iOS device is ready to be SIM unlocked, tap “Start” to get going.

Step 4: When the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is connected, the software finds it and gives a list of information about it. Make sure everything is in order, and click “Unlock Now”.

Note: Jailbreaking your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is necessary to keep the process. This method works with iOS versions 12.0 to 14.8.1 on iPhones 5S to X. But you don’t need to worry about how complex it is; we offer a jailbreak guide and a video for you.

Step 5: According to the screen on this step, please follow the simple instructions. When all tasks here are over, you can continue by tapping the button “Continue”.

Step 6: If the progress bar reaches 100%, the SIM lock will disappear from your device.

Step 7: The device is now unlocked, and the SIM carrier can’t limit how you use your device. Tap “Done” to unlock your iOS device’s SIM card.

Now, any SIM plan from any network can be used.

The bottom Line

So, these were the ways to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro. You can adopt any of them depending on the nature of the lock on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro. Further, you can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro by making small changes in the setting or directly contacting your carrier.

However, if you don’t want to contact your carrier, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) can solve your problem. This software is one of the most reliable and easy software that unlocks your device by following very easy steps.

Sim Unlock

What to do if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?